How the flu was a sweet Jesus kiss

(These pictures were taken at their Christmas parties at school.)

Don't get my wrong, I love my sweet Rebecca Jo. But lately, in preparation for our big trip to East Asia, we have been spending A LOT of time together. My other little monkeys were getting a bit jealous and I wanted to spend time with them too. I kept thinking of ways to hang out with just them, but time and money were not our friends in that regard.

Then, they got sick. Now, luckily it was not a full blown, nasty, throw up, complete lethargic kind of sick, but sick enough to take both to the doctor on Tuesday. And guess what, FLU x 2. Oh joy! (sarcastic at this point) I'm thinking I feel bad for them, but man NO WAY can Rebecca and I get the flu two weeks out of our trip. And I don't even want to think that because that sounds just like the devil would like to do! So after beating the devil up in prayer about this and kicking his caboodle right out of our house over that, we settled into a routine.

Rebecca and I got started on Tamiflu ourselves, she was banned from anywhere near their room, and Leah Lou and Katie Roo were sequestered to their room. Luckily they room together in the bonus room so there was plenty of room to move around, watch TV and movies, play games, etc. Sheets were changed and washed every night, baths were given every day and Lysol was sprayed generously. They have a table in their room too, so meals were brought up and their little medicine cups were lined up according to the ailment of the moment: Benedryl, Tamiflu, Ibuprofen, Mucinex, Delsym, Zithormax, etc. After lunch they would settled in their beds and watch a movie, and take a nap. Sometimes really long naps!

As the week wore on, I'd think, ok, maybe Katie can go back today, or maybe Leah by Friday, but they were both home all the was through Thursday. By Friday I was sure Katie would be ok at school, but Leah was still coughing here sweet little yellow head off. So, at 8:00 Friday morning, I decided Katie was good for school, at least until lunch, and Leah was back to the doctor That visit thankfully revealed that her cough was just her asthma bit that just flares up about once a year and was not contagious any more!

After the doctor visit on Friday, we headed over the WalMart to get craft and snack supplies for our trip. Let me just tell you, Leah was the perfect person I needed with me for that. My little me kept me on track and organized and helped me think through some challenges that were presented over pudding colors how many marshmallows were in a bag.

As we were driving back to get Katie, it occurred to me what a sweet Jesus kiss this week had been. Yes, it was hard for me to get done what I needed to get done being nurse and waitress and maid. Yes, Leah did miss four days of school and is spending her whole weekend on homework. But you know what, I got my sweet, special time with my girls. I got a whole week with them where we all got along and everyone was happy (besides the fights we had about yucky medicine...). That was my sweet Jesus kiss.

I am happy to report that all are well now and I believe we are just down to some occasional Benedryl and Delsym. Neither Rebecca or I are showing signs of flu symptoms. I have let Leah and Katie out of their rooms and can finally put that Lysol can away.

Thank you Jesus for always showing up where I don't expect you!

In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33